Chapter 357: The Truth Between Us

The proposal—he was already working on it. He’d planned to wait until after the Graham Group’s consortium meeting to settle everything, then surprise her properly. But seeing the look in her eyes now, Fraser couldn’t help teasing, “So, how do you want me to propose, hmm?”

Summer turned her face away. His tone made it sound like she’d been waiting for it eagerly. “I don’t want a proposal.”

Fraser smirked, amused. “Well, since you don’t, let’s just skip to the marriage license.”

Summer panicked. “You wouldn’t dare!”

The low rumble of Fraser’s laughter echoed through the room, vibrating softly in his chest.

Summer pouted. “Fraser! You’re doing this on purpose. I’m not talking to you anymore.”

He pulled her into his arms, settling her against his chest. “Okay, okay. I was wrong. I promise—you’ll get your proposal and your wedding. I won’t skip a single thing!” That finally calmed her down.

She realized she was starting to become a little clingy with him. She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing… or a bad one.

A little while later, Fraser’s phone rang. He gently ruffled her hair, then stepped outside to take the call.

Still thinking about what he’d said about getting married, Summer remembered that her ID card was with Julia. As if summoned by the thought, her phone lit up—Julia was calling.

Julia was far away in Oblistan. Summer hadn’t told her about the injury. She didn’t want her to worry.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Summer, how’s everything going at work?”

“The usual.”

Summer bit her lip, about to respond—then looked up. Fraser was standing in the doorway, backlit by the hallway light. One hand in his pocket, tall and broad-shouldered, his face shadowed by the glare.

“Summer?” Julia’s voice broke through from the phone.

Summer blinked, pulled from her thoughts. She hadn’t planned to say it yet, but as she looked at him standing there, something in her shifted. She wanted to say it now. She curled her finger at him, motioning him over.

Fraser’s dark gaze flickered. After a slight pause, he stepped toward her. As he reached her, Summer reached out and held his hand tightly.

Looking into his obsidian eyes, she said clearly, “Mom, I’ve decided not to go to Oblistan.”

There was a pause on the line. “What? Why the sudden change?”

Summer met Fraser’s burning gaze and said softly, “I’ve decided to stay.”

Fraser’s dark eyes didn’t blink. They were still and deep like a forest lake. Summer felt his fingers close around hers—firm and unwavering.

“Mom, can you send me my ID card?”

At that, Julia immediately understood. Daughters always leave one day. That damned Fraser stole mine.

Julia sighed. “And what about the house here in Oblistan?”

“If you like it, you can split your time between here and there.”

There was a long pause. Then Julia asked, “Are you sure it’s him?”

The seconds ticked by slowly. Then Summer replied, firm and clear, “I’m sure.”

After she hung up, she felt a little embarrassed. She looked up and immediately locked eyes with Fraser’s deep, unreadable stare. Her face turned red. The things she’d just said… were still echoing in her ears.

Before she could finish, he pulled her tightly into his arms. He buried his face in the curve of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. Summer’s lashes trembled.

“Fraser, there’s something I never told you. Back when I found out I was pregnant, I seriously thought about moving to Oblistan. I was ready to raise this baby on my own.”

“Mm.” His voice was low and muffled against her skin.

Her throat tightened. After a pause, she continued. “But then every time you held my hand, every time you stood by me without question, that plan started to fade. I’ll admit it—I don’t want to leave you anymore.”

She felt something warm and damp against her neck. Her eyes started to sting too. This time, she wasn’t holding back. She could finally say it all out loud.

Summer took a slow breath. “I’ve been selfish. In the beginning, I kept hesitating. I wasn’t sure. I made a deal with Helen once. She gave me 30% of Stewart Group’s shares….and in return, I promised to let you go. I even moved into the Graham estate because I wanted to get back at her.”